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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →In New Outlook, open Home > New mail, select the Copilot icon in the message body, choose Draft, describe the email, and select Generate. You then refine the result with follow-up instructions, ask for the structure you want, and check everything yourself before sending. Button names vary by Outlook version, and Copilot may not be available on every account, so this guide covers those differences too.
How do I use Copilot in Outlook to draft an email?
These steps follow Microsoft’s documented flow for New Outlook for Windows:
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- Select Home > New mail (or open a reply).
- In the email body, select the Copilot icon and choose Draft.
- In the prompt box, describe the purpose of the email and the details that must appear in it.
- Select Generate and read the proposed email.
- If it is not right, adjust the length or tone options if they are offered, edit your prompt and generate again, or ask for a specific change.
- Keep the version you want, make final edits directly in the message, and check it before sending.
Microsoft documents similar Draft with Copilot flows for classic Outlook (Outlook for Microsoft 365), Outlook for Mac, Outlook on the web, and mobile. The control labels differ, so look for the Copilot button on the compose surface of whichever version you have open.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat to put in the prompt
A vague prompt gets a generic draft. Include four things: the purpose, the audience, the key facts, and the tone or structure you want.
#1 Best Overall
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- Weak: Write an email about the meeting.
- Better: Write an email to my project team moving Thursday’s review to Friday at 2 p.m. Mention that the slides are due Thursday evening. Keep it friendly and under 120 words.
Copilot can only work with what you give it. Names, dates, and commitments you leave out are things you will need to add yourself.
Why can’t I use Draft with Copilot in plain text?
In New Outlook and Outlook on the web, Draft with Copilot does not work with plain-text compose. Microsoft directs users to switch to HTML under Settings > Mail > Compose and reply. If the Draft option is missing or fails in a plain-text message, check that setting first.
How do I edit a draft with Copilot?
Treat the first draft as raw material and revise in small, explicit steps rather than rewriting the whole prompt each time.
Rank #2
- Instant Copilot. Unlock new possibilities with the dedicated Copilot key, which gives you instant access to experiences that can enhance your productivity¹.
- Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key
- Full keyboard experience. Features a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large trackpad for precise navigation and control. Optimal key spacing allows fast, fluid typing.
- Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
- Clicks in place instantly Use in combination with the Surface Pro (11th Edition), Pro 9 and Pro 8* kickstand for a perfect laptop experience anywhere.
- Targeted change: select the relevant text and ask Copilot to modify it.
- Whole-draft change: give a focused follow-up instruction.
- Start over: edit the prompt and generate a new version.
Example instructions you can adapt: “make this shorter,” “use a warmer tone,” “make the request in the second paragraph more direct,” or “turn the three action items into bullets.” Changing one thing at a time makes it easy to see what helped and to undo what did not.
How do I make Copilot format an email as bullets?
Say the structure you want in plain language, such as “put the action items in a bulleted list” or “split this into a short intro, three bullets, and a closing line.” Then inspect the result, because the output still needs your eye for order, wording, and whether the layout suits the recipient. Make sure the message is in HTML format first, since that is a prerequisite for Draft with Copilot in New Outlook and on the web.
Microsoft’s Copilot Chat email feature also describes asking for a shorter draft or a bullet-list version. That is a separate feature, currently available only to Frontier users, so do not expect it in an ordinary Outlook account.
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Coaching by Copilot and Draft Instructions
Coaching by Copilot
Coaching is an optional review aid for a message you have already written. Microsoft describes it as offering suggestions to improve communication, and its accessibility guide says the suggestions cover tone, reader sentiment, and clarity. Like Draft, it is reached from the Copilot button while composing. Consider the suggestions as input, not automatic corrections; you decide which to accept.
Draft Instructions for recurring preferences
If you keep giving Copilot the same directions, save them in Outlook’s settings under Draft Instructions. You can turn on custom drafting instructions and specify habits such as concise wording, bullets where useful, a friendly tone, or a preferred sign-off, and you can change them later. Microsoft says a Microsoft Copilot (work) license or Microsoft 365 subscription is needed for this personalization feature. Do not assume the same requirement applies to every Copilot feature in Outlook.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if Copilot is missing?
Microsoft’s instructions cover Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook for Microsoft 365 for Mac, New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, and mobile, but it notes Copilot may be unavailable to you and suggests checking with your IT admin. Microsoft’s pages do not give a full eligibility matrix by region or account type. A practical order of checks:
Rank #4
- Instant Copilot. Unlock new possibilities with the dedicated Copilot key, which gives you instant access to experiences that can enhance your productivity¹.
- Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key
- Full keyboard experience. Features a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large trackpad for precise navigation and control. Optimal key spacing allows fast, fluid typing.
- Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
- Clicks in place instantly Use in combination with the Surface Pro (11th Edition), Pro 9 and Pro 8* kickstand for a perfect laptop experience anywhere.
- Confirm you are using a client Microsoft lists (see above) and that it is up to date.
- In New Outlook or on the web, confirm the compose format is HTML.
- Confirm the account you are signed in with has Copilot access.
- If it is still absent, ask your IT administrator.
Interface labels and preview status change, so if a button name differs from this guide, trust what Microsoft Support currently shows for your version.
Review before you send
Microsoft Support’s Outlook FAQ puts it plainly: “As with any AI generated content it’s a great tool to get started, but it’s important that you review, edit, and verify anything it creates for you.” Before sending, check:
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- Names, dates, times, and figures
- Recipients, including Cc and Bcc
- Any promise or commitment made on your behalf
- Tone for this particular reader
- Bullets, spacing, and general formatting
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